Well, I completely understand the frustrations of this year (we almost gave up our dream to move to Portugal, everything seemed so difficult) and I'm so glad you didn't and we didn't and all of us dreamers keep on moving forward. Thank you for sharing your story of resilience with all of us. It's much appreciated!
Inspirational stuff, Al, always realistic and evoking your love of the land. Poor Ana - losing a father is so hard. All the luck in the world to you as you proceed! One thing never in doubt is your determination ( sometimes against the odds!).
Hi, I found you through Ed Sumner at his Cheese and Wine painting club, are you still planning painting holidays? I have an ID chart of butterflies and the plants needed to attract them, I can send you some. Jan Miller at www.7wells.co.uk
Hi Jan - we're hoping to do that when we get all our building work finished...hopefully in Spring 2024. We have some Monarch butterflies around here and they love the Bristly Fruited Silkweed which we're hoping to grow this year...!
Hello A & A, how pleasant to become interactive with the sapphire. I've been reading and skimming since the start of your adventure, having had my own at the other end of the Alentejo (Marvao) and still surviving. I feel a considerable empathy (and I was also inspired by David (Dusty) Rhodes in the late sixties) though my "camino" has been much more modest, with a small - and almost off grid - B&B. And with fire, work delays, admin adventures, phone wires cut, pump failures, thre Amazon man, serious doubts ... on the one hand big improvement in technical knowledge whilst more than half the cafés in the area have closed, more culture coinciding with a dose of gentrification (reasonable so far).
I wish you both that your dreams and work become a little more real in 2023, and in good health. And take care of the ticker! Abraço and god tur, Bernard
Buon Anno!
Well, I completely understand the frustrations of this year (we almost gave up our dream to move to Portugal, everything seemed so difficult) and I'm so glad you didn't and we didn't and all of us dreamers keep on moving forward. Thank you for sharing your story of resilience with all of us. It's much appreciated!
Fantastic - I'm glad to hear it! Let's hope things go well in 2023! Thanks for reading.
Buon Anno! May 2023 be kind to you both :)
Thanks Sian - all the best!
Inspirational stuff, Al, always realistic and evoking your love of the land. Poor Ana - losing a father is so hard. All the luck in the world to you as you proceed! One thing never in doubt is your determination ( sometimes against the odds!).
Feliz Ano Novo!
Thanks a lot - and all the very best to you!
Hi, I found you through Ed Sumner at his Cheese and Wine painting club, are you still planning painting holidays? I have an ID chart of butterflies and the plants needed to attract them, I can send you some. Jan Miller at www.7wells.co.uk
Hi Jan - we're hoping to do that when we get all our building work finished...hopefully in Spring 2024. We have some Monarch butterflies around here and they love the Bristly Fruited Silkweed which we're hoping to grow this year...!
Please continue with the amazing job you are doing. Happy new year
Thanks so much Carolyn!
Loved reading your blogs this year
Good luck and happiness in 2023
Thanks Paul - all the very best to you!
Hello A & A, how pleasant to become interactive with the sapphire. I've been reading and skimming since the start of your adventure, having had my own at the other end of the Alentejo (Marvao) and still surviving. I feel a considerable empathy (and I was also inspired by David (Dusty) Rhodes in the late sixties) though my "camino" has been much more modest, with a small - and almost off grid - B&B. And with fire, work delays, admin adventures, phone wires cut, pump failures, thre Amazon man, serious doubts ... on the one hand big improvement in technical knowledge whilst more than half the cafés in the area have closed, more culture coinciding with a dose of gentrification (reasonable so far).
I wish you both that your dreams and work become a little more real in 2023, and in good health. And take care of the ticker! Abraço and god tur, Bernard